Dogs with ataxia have difficulties with balance and making coordinated movements. They may seem drunk or unable to control their legs. Disorders that result in ataxia range from mild to life-threatening. Any dog can develop symptoms of ataxia. But older dogs and certain breeds are more likely to suffer from some of the illnesses which cause it.

Ataxia is caused by damage to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, or nerves), There are 3 types of ataxia, depending on the area of the nervous system affected. Proprioceptive ataxia results from brain or spinal cord damage, causing unawareness of limb positioning, with symptoms like dragging legs, knuckling, or an unsteady gait. Cerebellar ataxia results from damage to part of the brain called the cerebellum. This affects balance and coordination, leading to exaggerated leg movements or a wide-legged stance. Vestibular ataxia, arises from inner ear or nerve damage and disrupts balance, causing head tilts, rolling, or falling to one side.

What to do if your dog develops ataxia

Ataxia is a serious symptom:

• Contact a vet immediately if your dog suddenly develops ataxia.

• Keep them safe from further harm or self-injury: confine them to a small space or crate, away from stairs or sharp edges if they are struggling to keep balance.

• Reassure them: talk to them quietly, lower lights and turn off music or the tv.

• Look for evidence of toxic chemicals, drugs or plants they may have eaten. Photograph the packaging to help your vet identify potential causes and any antidote there may be to ataxia resulting from poisoning.

• Put some sugar or honey on their gums or tongue to counter low blood sugar.

What are the common causes of ataxia in dogs?

The most common causes of ataxia in dogs include:

• Low blood sugar

• Inflammation or infection of the brain, spinal cord or inner ear

• Trauma

• Vestibular disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Liver shunts

• Toxins: recreational drugs, alcohol, anti-freeze

• Intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE)

• Tumours of the brain or spinal canal

• Side effects or overdose of certain medications: anti epileptic drugs, certain painkillers

• Inherited or hereditary brain disorders in certain breeds

When to worry about your dog with ataxia

Find your nearest vet if your dog is ataxic and:

• Unable to respond to you

• Falling over, rolling, distressed

• Has consumed alcohol, anti-freeze or anything unusual

• Has suffered a traumatic injury, especially a head injury

• Having seizures

Call a vet as soon as possible if your dog becomes ataxic after:

• Jumping from a height: sofa, wall, bed, especially breeds prone to disc problems, such as Dachshunds

• Starting new medication or a new increased dose of medication

How to reduce some of the risks of ataxia in dogs

Sometimes ataxia is sudden in onset and the underlying cause can’t be prevented. Preventing ataxia in other cases means addressing possible medical or poisoning causes.

• Take your dog for regular vet health check: as owners, we don't always notice the changes happening day-by-day

• Ensure your dog gets all medicines for other illnesses as prescribed by your vet

• Keep all toxins (drugs, chemicals , alcohol) out of sight, reach and smell of dogs

How is ataxia diagnosed in dogs?

Diagnosing the cause of ataxia can be difficult:

• The first step is identifying the affected part of the nervous system, usually through a neurological exam. Complex cases may require a specialist assessment.

• Blood tests may be useful to check for metabolic disease or intoxications

• An otoscopic exam may be useful to check for signs of ear disease

• X-rays can sometimes be useful when there is disease of the spinal cord

• CT scans and MRI may be useful when brain disease is suspected or when more information is needed about the spinal cord

Looking after a dog with ataxia at home

Ataxia in dogs indicates a problem with their nervous system. There are no home remedies or treatments. Call your vet without delay if your dog develops ataxia. Keep your dog safe from harm and self injury until you see a vet.

Once your dog is being treated by a vet, support them at home by:

• Helping them out to toilet regularly

• Massaging joints and muscles to support blood supply

• Ensuring they have all prescribed medicines at the correct time and dose

• Ensuring they have a high quality diet to support recovery

• Protecting them from injury risks of falling against sharp objects, off of heights, down stairs

• Following advice for strict rest to the letter: a crate is the most suitable option

How do vets treat ataxia in dogs?

Vet treatment for ataxia will depend on the underlying cause(s). The possibilities include:

Emergency treatment

• Emetic injections to induce vomiting and empty your dog's tummy if any toxins where ingested

• Sedative medicines to control severe ataxia and seizures

• Special medication to reduce swelling around the brain

• Emergency fluid therapy

• Restoring blood sugar and electrolytes (salts) to stabilise nerve function

• Emergency back surgery to relieve pressure from a prolapsed, or slipped, disc

Medication

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers to reduce swelling

• Antibiotics to treat middle and inner ear infections

• Anti-nausea medication to treat the sea-sickness feeling associated with ataxia

• Anti-epilepsy medication

• Thyroid medication or treatment for diabetes

• Chemotherapy for cancer

Advanced options

Referral to specialist hospitals for:

• Complex surgery on the brain or spine for tumours or prolapsed discs

• Radiotherapy

• Surgery to correct liver shunts

Which dogs have more risk of developing ataxia

Ataxia has many possible underlying causes, so dogs of various ages and breeds may be susceptible to different causes.

• Older Dogs: vestibular disease, cancer, hypothyroidism

• Younger dogs: hereditary ataxia, liver shunts, inherited brain disorders

• Certain Breeds:

  • Intervertebral disc disease: Dachshunds

  • Hereditary ataxia: Jack Russell Terriers, Parson Terriers, Gordon Setters, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Sheepdogs

• Dogs with other illnesses: hypothyroidism, diabetes, dementia.

What else can look like ataxia?

Ataxia causes mobility problems but it is a problem with the nervous system, rather than the muscles themselves. Dogs with sprains, strains, or breaks will have an abnormal gait, but still know where their legs are. Exhaustion and weakness similarly can affect gait and mood, without causing true ataxia.